This Application Assignment will give you experience writing components of a prospectus for a study that would incorporate a survey method.

To prepare for this assignment:
Review the studies you have read in your area of interest. Reflect on patterns and consider "gaps," that is, what is still unknown or could be known in the area.
Review this week's required readings and Course Media, paying particular attention to the characteristics of survey research methods.
Review Chapter 7 in the course text, specifically pages 132-137, taking note of how to state quantitative research questions, null and alternative hypotheses, and variables clearly.
If needed, review the supplementary Web sites explaining correlation research (survey research is a common type of correlational research).
Based on the reading, Discussions, and Applications you have completed thus far, and given your area of interest, consider a research question (this research question may or may not be one you have previously posed) that you could ask that would fill a gap (elucidate something that is still unknown or could be known in the area) that could be answered with survey research.
Consider why a survey method would be an appropriate approach for the study of your question.

The assignment:
Create a document that has four clearly defined sections (listed below), and that totals no more than 3 pages in length.
Research Question(s). State the research question(s) that you are proposing to study.
Survey Research Method. Clearly state why a survey method would be appropriate given your research question(s), citing the course text, video programs, and/or Dr. Smeaton's article, as appropriate.
Hypotheses. State both a null and alternative research hypothesis. Be sure to articulate clearly the variables you are proposing to study.
Research Design. Include the following information in this section:
a. Population. Define the population you would propose to study and its characteristics. This should include, but is not limited to 1) age, 2) gender, 3) ethnicity, 4) additional cultural factors, and 5) education level.
b. Sampling. Define your method of sampling the population (for example: random, convenience, etc.). State how you would gain access to the participants.
c. Measures. Briefly describe the measures you will use to assess the predictor and the outcome. For example, if you were measuring efficacy, you would briefly describe and provide a reference for a self-efficacy scale.
d. Ethical protection of participants. Briefly state any ethical issues you foresee with your study. Also, make a preliminary assessment of the level of risk associated with participation in your study that might need to be raised with the Institutional Review Board.

This Application Assignment will give you experience writing compon...